Search form

Radiant or Convection

Radiant or Convection heat - What's the difference?

Wood fires release their heat through a combination of heat radiation, which heats objects, and convection which heats the air. The amount of each varies with some models being predominantly one type or the other.

Choosing the correct sized Metro fire and how it will heat the space you are wanting to heat is very important. A model that is too large for the space you are heating will have to be turned down, which reduces efficiency, creates more emissions and produces unburnt contaminants (from incomplete combustion) which over time can damage the firebox and flue system if left unchecked.

Choose a suitable model for your homes size, age and the area you are wanting to heat. If you have a medium sized well-insulated home in a region that experiences a mild winter climate, then 10kW of heat should be adequate. A larger house, or the same-sized but less well insulated and draughty house, particularly in a colder climate, will require more heat output. In non-open plan houses there's no point overheating the lounge or space the fire is in while the rest of the house stays cold. Installation of a heat-transfer system will utilise the excess heat at ceiling level and distribute it to other parts of your home. This warm air then circulates to create a dry, healthy environment throughout your home from just one heat source - your Metro fire.

Measure the area (m2) you wish to heat and compare it to the heating area icon shown with each model Metro. Homes with a high stud, lack of insulation or the installation of a wetback or heat transfer system may require more heating capacity. Your Metro specialist/installer can provide further assistance in choosing the best size Metro fire.

Convection heat

Convection wood fires draw in air from floor level, that then gets heated and rises away from the fire into the room. This cyclic convection air-current means that the hottest air in the room rises up to the ceiling with the warmer air remaining in the lower part of your room. Convection fires are best suited for insulated homes with standard height ceilings. They heat more evenly throughout the home by eliminating the localised intensity of a radiant wood fire and operate with cooler cabinet surfaces.

Radiant heat

Radiant wood fires release heat into the room by ‘radiating’ an infrared heat directly from the outer surfaces of the appliance onto any object in close proximity. This results in more heat being retained lower in the room. Ideal for older less insulated (or draughty) homes, and homes with high ceilings or large open plan areas. All radiant models can also be used for cooking on as well as heating.